Defeat at Dereham

The Villagers were without Jake Jackson and Will Wingfield (illness) but welcomed back Josh Collins (pictured) who scored on his return from suspension.

Clearly Dereham who were relegated from the Isthmian League last season are set up for a quick return, with several new players being signed in recent weeks, assisted by the demise of Norwich United, and are currently fourth position in the League.

Melford started the game with a stiff breeze in their faces, and it was clear from the outset that the home team play  focussed strongly  around the talents of Robbie Lee Sweeney, a talented player with previous links to Stevenage and many of the top non League teams in East Anglia.

Overall the game taken on corners, ball possession and penalty area activity was pretty even.

After winning the opening corner of the game Melford, were hit an unwanted event after 12 minutes, Sweeney found space down the Melford right flank, cut in on goal and his shot from five yards, hit the chest located arm of Deklyn Roy, with the referee pointing to the penalty spot.

Up stepped the ex Wroxham player  BRAD SPOONER to convert sending Matt Walker the Melford keeper the wrong way.

Despite this set back Melford continued to have their fair share of the game, and only good keeping by Tom Coombe, diving to take the ball off the toe of the onrushing Ryan Gibbs prevented the Melford equaliser.

Melford again came close when Harry Brown got through on goal and from 10 yards his strong shot just cleared the Dereham bar.

The home team went further  ahead on 39 minutes when Melford looked for an offside flag, allowing  BRAD SPOONER to run through for his second goal of the game.

Three minutes before halftime and some neat play by Melford saw Hassan Ally though on goal but keeper Coombe made a great point blank save.

The start of the second half Melford replaced the injured Ryan Gibbs with Ben Humphreys.

It was all Melford for the opening 15 minutes, forcing several corners, then a controversial decision by the officials caused a Melford upset . A shot from Whiting-Noakes hit the outstretched arm of Chris Skipper in the penalty box, but this time no penalty was awarded, much to chagrin of the Melford team and management.

Finally on 65 minutes Melford got their just reward, a wind assisted in swinging corner from Whiting Noakes, caused chaos for the home defence, finally being bundled home by JOSH COLLINS.

The hope that emanated for Melford from that success, was quickly dashed by Dereham when on 73 minutes four quick passes saw them into the Melford box, and ROBBIE LEE SWEENEY applied the finishing touch into the Melford net.

Another frustrating episode for Melford, with finishing and build up time to attack the main difference between the two teams. CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Matt Walker, Ben Judge, Deklyn Roy, Josh Collins, Fred Dende, Harry Whiting-Noakes, Ryan Gibbs, Jacob Brown (capt), Jordan Gibbs, Hassan Ally, Harry Brown

Subs all used: Oli Judge, C J Glover, Lewis Brennan, Ben Humphreys, Dennis Twum (Jnr)